Twenty Wishes (Blossom Street, No. 4)

I enjoyed this book, however it wasn't one of my favorites by Debbie Macomber. I enjoy the positive endings to all of her books, they give you a cozy feel. I feel like I have walked the streets of Seattle (even though I've never been). Her descriptions give you plenty to go on as far as setting is concerned. I gave this one a 3 because as much as I like Debbie's writing, this book was a bit too breezy for me. I like a little bit of grit and this book just didn't have it. Its worth reading, its just not the page turner I'm used to from Debbie Macomber.

There are a few things that I know when I settle into my favorite chair to read one of Debbie Macomber's books: sleep is overrated, popcorn is considered a dinner delicacy in some circles and finally, I know this book's gonna be great!

With Twenty Wishes - A Blossom Street Book, Macomber does it again, creating a heartwarming story about four widows: Anne Marie Roche, Elise Beaumont, and the mother/daughter duo of Lillie Higgins and Barbie Foster. Together these four choose to celebrate Valentine's Day embracing their friendship, and end up leaving with a new way to look at life, with a list of twenty wishes.

As the women dance on packing bubbles, eat chocolate and drink champagne, they begin tossing out ideas on what they could do to get out of the slump they've all been feeling since the loss of their loved ones. Soon the idea of twenty wishes takes flight, and for Anne Marie means, "Twenty dreams written down. Twenty possibilities that would give her a reason to look toward the future instead of staying mired in her grief."

Finding one good thing about life tops the list for Anne Marie. So at the urging of Elise, Anne Marie accepts an invitation to volunteer as a lunch buddy at a local elementary school and befriends little eight-year-old Ellen. As the friendship blossoms, Anne Marie shares with Ellen the idea behind her wish book and Ellen creates her own wish list. Soon they are venturing into uncharted waters, daring to dream dreams and realizing that sometimes wishes do come true.

What I love about Twenty Wishes is the hope-inspired feeling that resonates through each character. From beginning to end, I am uplifted, encouraged and positively charged with the notion that life has so much good to offer. I love how Macomber prompts us to believe that even if we've been through horrible heartaches such as in losing a loved one, that we too can make a change in ourselves and in the lives around us to create a new and brighter future with just one wish.

Armchair Interviews says: Debbie Macomber does it again-with great style!

I really, truly enjoy this series and this installment continues that tradition. It is very light reading, but a lot of fun at the same time. I read the book in a 24-hour period and couldn't put it down. The characters are people you find you care about and the story is good (plus this one actually makes you think). The concept of 20 wishes is intriging and I assume that many, many readers will adopt this concept and make it their own. It would be very interesting to know just how many people pursue a wish as a result of reading this book.

If you enjoy the Mitford series, Phil Gulley's books or the Miss Julia books and are looking for other authors to try, this would be a good choice for you.

If you haven't read any of the books in this series, I would recommend you start at the beginning because I think that would be most enjoyable. However, you could pick this one up and read it independently of the others since it does stand alone. I would also recommend "Suzanna's Garden" even though it isn't considered one of this series, I view it as one of them.

Relax, get on your porch swing or hammock and settle in for a pleasant read !

I have all of Debbie Macombers Books and love the ladies. The twenty wishes is very good makes you want to make a list. This book is for all ages but especially creative folks.What she is doing is making you think about your life and that is a good way to start.The knitting series was the first books I got started with. So give this book a read well worth it. Bonnie from Waynesville North Carolina

Anne Marie Roche has invited 3 other widows to join her for a special Valentine's Day party. The women offer one another support and they come up with an idea which will focus their attention on possibilities for their future rather than on losses of the past. They each begin a list of 20 wishes which they feel would put fun, excitement, and fulfillment into their empty lives. Although each of them has something that they are seeking, they are all surprised by how their wishes turn out. Before long, the endings to each woman's story become pretty predictable, but getting there will be fun and enjoyable for readers.