Robin Hamlin Libby’s friend and workout partner. Robin is at her wits’ end when her budding romance with Judge Roy Bollinger hits a snag: his continued devotion to his late wife.
Molly Jo Morgan Libby’s mother. Though she died of cancer when Libby was just thirteen, she’s still a guiding force in her adult daughter’s life.
Ava Best friend to Lydia Goetz’s daughter Casey. Ava’s childhood has been far from ideal since her mother’s death—and it’s about to get even more complicated.
Darlene Carmichael Ava’s grandmother. She’s raised Ava and her brother since their mother died in a car accident. But she seems to squander every opportunity to take good care of her grandchildren.
Hershel Burkhart Libby’s mentor and boss. Though he couldn’t save her job at the firm, Herschel does offer Libby a piece of advice that echoes in her head: find a balance between career and family.
Places to visit:
Frankie and Johnny’s Gym A place to shed weight and frustrations—and maybe meet a handsome doctor.
Seattle General Hospital The nursery here can be a busy place. The customers at A Good Yarn help supply little hats to keep the preemies’ heads warm.
BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES
Blossom Street Brides is the eighth book in the Blossom Street series. Once again, A Good Yarn is a hive of activity. Lydia can’t imagine who’s behind the mysterious marketing campaign helping to increase business. The pastel baby blanket display in the window is a big draw, too—it makes a special gift. That’s exactly what brings Lauren Elliot and Bethanne Scranton, two women who barely know each other, into the store. It’s there that Bethanne’s husband makes a surprise appearance and Lauren meets his friend Rooster. It’s that chance meeting that will entwine these four lives and futures in ways that will surprise them all.
Character Guide
Lauren Elliot A sales clerk at the local jewelry store who rubs shoulders with Seattle’s elite thanks to her boyfriend’s connections. But she’d rather have just one real connection to a man who fits her Husband List.
Todd Hampton Lauren’s newscaster boyfriend. He’s too wrapped up in his career to make a commitment and too proud to let her go.
Elisa Lippencott She and her husband, Garry, own and operate John Michael Jewelers. Elisa is concerned that their daughter has ruined her life by becoming pregnant at nineteen. She’s determined to talk some sense into her, even if she’s not making much sense in the process.
Lydia Goetz Co-owner of A Good Yarn. A new marketing campaign causes a surge in business and even some media attention at A Good Yarn. The only problem is that neither Lydia nor her sister, Margaret, knows anything about who is behind it!
Casey Marshall Lydia’s adopted daughter is still adjusting to being part of a real family. Lately, she’s been having nightmares. She finds solace in visits with her grandmother.
Bethanne Hamlin Scranton Still madly in love with her husband and ecstatic that she’s about to become a grandmother for the first time. But Max is in California while she still lives in Seattle. She’s not sure what to worry about most: her marriage or her relationship with her daughter, Annie.
Max Scranton Bethanne’s husband. He’s concerned that his wife’s ex-husband is working a little too hard to woo her back. He’s had enough of living so far from Bethanne. The only problem is deciding who’s going to move to a new state.
Grant Hamlin It seems Bethanne’s ex-husband will do whatever it takes to rekindle their marriage. But if he’s not careful, his daughter might see him for what he really is.
Annie Hamlin Bethanne and Grant’s daughter. She’s still convinced that her parents will get back together—if only it weren’t for Max.
Rooster Wayne Max’s friend and business partner is looking to make a change. And though he has a failed marriage in his past, he hopes to find someone who makes him as happy as Bethanne makes Max.
Places to visit:
Hog’s Hideout A rough-and-tumble biker bar in a less-than-desirable part of town.
John Michael Jewelers The Blossom Street store where Brad Goetz bought Lydia’s engagement ring.
Reading Group Guide
In Debbie Macomber’s eighth book in the Blossom Street series, Seattle’s buzzing with news about knitting. Baskets are popping up everywhere, each containing needles, a scarf pattern, yarn from A Good Yarn, and an invitation: Knit Me. Lydia Goetz wishes she knew whom to thank for her increased business. The extra income will help get her daughter, Casey, the therapy she needs to overcome her terrible nightmares.
As she steps into A Good Yarn, Lauren Elliot is dealing with a nightmare of her own. Here she is, not even engaged, buying yarn for her younger sister’s baby gift. Maybe her problem is that she falls for the wrong men, drawn in by good looks and charm. She decides to end her dead-end relationship with Todd Hampton and, instead, find a good man with character. What she doesn’t anticipate is that the one man who fits her list is named for a barnyard animal.
Rooster Wayne decides to come along for the ride when his friend and business partner, Max Scranton, hops on his motorcycle and heads for Seattle. Max is determined to get his wife’s ex-husband out of their hair for good—and for them to decide once and for all if she’s moving to California or if he’s moving to Seattle.
What Rooster doesn’t tell Max is that he, too, is looking to make some big changes. Moving their business to Seattle would be prohibitively expensive. But he’s ready to get out of California. With a failed marriage behind him, Rooster isn’t necessarily looking for love. But can he help it if he happens to fit someone’s Husband List?
As Lauren and Rooster grow closer together, it seems that wedding bells aren’t far off. But when Rooster’s past threatens their future together, they must decide if those bells should be unrung. It’s a choice that will impact more lives than just their own.
Questions for Discussion
1. Elisa and Garry married young and are still very happy together. Why do you think Elisa reacts the way she does when her daughter tells her about her pregnancy and marriage? What about Elisa’s reaction to Lauren’s wedding? What does it say about Elisa as a friend?
2. When Rooster accuses Max of not trusting Bethanne, he counters by saying, “I trust Bethanne; the one I don’t trust is Grant” (page 105). What do you think about Max’s behavior toward Bethanne and Grant? In what ways is his mistrust of Grant a reflection on his trust in Bethanne?
3. Weigh the pros and cons of Max moving to Seattle versus Bethanne moving to California. Which scenario do you think makes the most sense? Why?
4. Should Rooster have told Lauren about his previous marriage? Why do you think he didn’t? Is her response an overreaction? How do you think you would respond?
5. Grant is using his daughter—and his soon-to-be-born grandchild—to get Bethanne back into his life. What are his true motives? Have you ever had interactions with someone like Grant?
6. After the confrontation between Rooster and Todd at the restaurant, Rooster thinks that Lauren is just using him to make Todd jealous. What about Lauren’s behavior could make him think that? Do you think she was fair in the way she ended things with Todd? Why or why not?
7. How could Bethanne better handle the situation with Grant?
8. Max ponders that Annie’s “pride often came at a steep price” (page 232). What are some other examples in the novel of pride getting the best of someone in this book? What are some times in your life when you, or others you know, have paid a price for pride?
9. Lydia is grateful that her customers are generous people. What are some of your favorite reactions to handmade gifts that you’ve given to others? What gifts have you been particularly grateful to receive?
10. What do you think about Lauren’s father asking to do a background check on Rooster? How do your feelings change knowing what the background check revealed? If your parents asked to do a background check on your spouse or potential spouse, how would you react?
11. Lauren real
izes that she must stop listening to other people’s advice and start listening to herself. What are some instances in your life where other people’s advice got in the way of doing what you thought best? What was the result of following their advice? How would these situations have turned out differently if you’d listened to yourself instead?
12. Evelyn tells Lydia, “don’t borrow trouble.” (page 169) What does she mean by this? Was Lydia right to talk to Evelyn about Casey’s dreams without telling her? How could she have handled the situation differently or better?
ANGELS AT THE TABLE
Times Square on New Year’s Eve doesn’t have much in common with the Realms of Glory. Perhaps that’s why Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and their apprentice, Will, find it irresistible. As long as they don’t interfere with humans’ lives, what could go wrong? Plenty, as it turns out. With a flutter of his wings, Will causes Lucie Ferrara and Aren Fairchild to bump into each other. The attraction is instantaneous and clearly meant to be. Only it wasn’t meant to be for another eleven months. As the next Christmas approaches, the four angels find themselves dispatched again to New York City on a mission to reunite the wayward pair. Getting them back together is the easy part. But when Lucie finds out Aren’s secret, even divine intervention might not be enough to keep them that way.
Character Guide
Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy Back on earth for another adventure, these three angels always have the best of intentions—always with mixed results.
Will An apprentice Prayer Ambassador. With Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy taking him under their wings, what could go wrong? Also, he’s heavy handed with a saltshaker.
Gabriel Chief Executive Angel. His job is to make sure prayers get answered and certain mischievous angels straighten up and fly right.
Lucie Ferrara Recent culinary-school graduate and fledging restaurateur. Along with her mother, Lucie is owner and chef at a new Brooklyn hot spot called Heavenly Delights. She hasn’t dated much since her father died and she started school. But a seemingly chance encounter on New Year’s Eve with Aren Fairchild could change all that.
Aren Fairchild A handsome journalist who’s new in town. He writes restaurant reviews for the New York Gazette under the pseudonym Eaton Well. Has “perfect pitch” when it comes to tasting food, but a not-so-perfect history with women. Lucie thinks he’s about the most wonderful man on earth.
Eaton Well Aren’s pseudonym in the New York Gazette. Lucie thinks this sharp-tongued critic is about the most repugnant man on earth.
Wendy Ferrara Wendy’s mother and Heavenly Delights’ hostess and co-owner. She feels responsible for a missed connection between Lucie and Aren. She can’t change the past, but she can pray for the future.
Josie Fairchild Aren’s sister. After she and her financé both got cold feet, they canceled their wedding.
Questions for Discussion
1. Hoping to persuade Lucie to go after Aren, Wendy tells her, “If you wait until everything is perfect you might lose Aren” and “falling in love is never convenient” (page 55). What do you think would have needed to happen in Lucie’s life before everything was “perfect”?
2. Lucie doubts that God cares about something as simple as her getting together with Aren. How would you respond to her? Is there anything too frivolous for prayer? Explain your answer.
3. Aren—or, rather, Eaton—can make or break a restaurant with one review. Do you pay attention to restaurant critics? Where do you turn for reviews? How have social media and increased reader feedback changed how we evaluate restaurants? Do you think this is a good change?
4. Are there times when you’ve felt angels intervening in your life? When Lucie was trying to buy a newspaper, she believed everything was working against her. What are some difficult moments you’ve faced that, in hindsight, were part of a larger plan?
5. Mercy uses bells to get humans’ attention. She says that, with humans “one must be subtle” (page 95). What do you think she means by this? What were some moments in the book where the angels were less than subtle? How did it work out for them?
6. Aren’s editor tells him it’s okay to write a follow-up review of Heavenly Delights, even though he knows the chef. What do you think of her decision? How would it affect your trust of a review if the writer is intimate with the owner?
7. Lucie says that this is the best Christmas of her life. What was your best Christmas so far? What made it so special?
8. The angels’ primary goal is to teach us lessons. What lessons did they teach the characters in this book? Though the angels weren’t involved, what lesson does Aren learn from volunteering at the soup kitchen? How can we ensure that all our gifts come from the heart?
9. The angels talk about the difference between “prayer warriors” and those who only pray when they really need something. What do prayer warriors receive in return for praying for others? What are some instances in your life where you felt the power of prayer?
10. When Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will cause an uproar at a Broadway show, many people think it’s just a publicity stunt. How can we be more perceptive of the miracles that occur every day? Would you have been among the people who believed something extraordinary had happened? Or would you have dismissed it as a publicity stunt?
Christmas Cards
For my dear sister Josie—
I’ve received the most wonderful Christmas presents this year. I get to have coffee with my sister every morning. I managed to get a second chance with the most wonderful woman in the world. I helped feed and comfort people less fortunate than I am. I hope that patching things up with Jack means that you, too, will have the best Christmas ever.
Love,
Aren
To Gabriel—
We wish you glad tidings of comfort and joy! Thank you for all your help and patience with the Aren and Lucie project. We’re sorry about the camel. And the play. And the Times Square Jumbotron last year. And the salt. Especially for the salt. But we have one question. When did you learn how to ride a motorcycle?
Merry Christmas!
Shirley, Goodness, Mercy, and Will
Merry Christmas, Mom!
I’m grateful for the amazing year we’ve had and all the blessings we can count. Success with Heavenly Delights, new love, and the chance to help others. Here’s to everyday miracles—they’re better than any present we could receive.
Love,
Lucie
A REVIEW OF HEAVENLY DELIGHTS
By Brie Stilton
As my longtime readers know, I don’t venture to the outer boroughs for every flash in the culinary pan. So if I grab my passport and set sail for Brooklyn, you know it’s for a restaurant that’s truly special.
And wouldn’t a restaurant have to be special to deserve the uproar that ensued after a rival newspaper ran Eaton Well’s scathing review? If you answered yes, then you—unlike my fellow critic—are right.
Reservations are essential and can be a bit hard to come by. Since its opening in April, Heavenly Delights has gained a large and loyal following—mostly due to word-of-mouth advertising.
And the word at Heavenly Delights is “dessert.”
Dessert is the first thing you notice when you walk in the door. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself veering uncontrollably toward the refrigerated display case of sweets. Luckily, the smiling hostess is there to welcome you and set you back on course for the dining room.
The decor is elegant and understated in warm gray with black accents, lending an intimate atmosphere that suits romance, celebrating, or just a casual dinner. The servers have mastered the high-wire act of being attentive and informed yet unobtrusive.
I can’t say for sure what happened the night Mr. Wells dined there. Maybe it was a supernatural phenomenon. Mischievous gremlins at work in the kitchen, perhaps? But the little devils were absent tonight.
The Dover sole with beurre blanc practically sang to me from the menu. It’s a dish that can stymie even the most experien
ced cook in the kitchen. But owner and executive chef Lucie Ferrara doesn’t miss a step. The aroma and plating were intoxicating. The succulent fish was surrounded by fluffy mounds of whipped, golden-toasted potatoes. Every element was perfectly balanced and seasoned.
My companion is a sucker for chicken Parmesan. After sampling nearly every one in the city, he knows his stuff. The verdict on Heavenly Delights’ version? Delizioso.
It was juicy and crisp, with a beautifully seasoned crust and a burst of flavor from a blend of the finest Italian cheeses. Many eateries treat pasta as a throwaway side dish. Not so here. The spaghetti was delightfully al dente and the marinara bold and rich.
Then it was time for the grand finale.
Your waitress will likely recommend the sea salt caramel mousse. It’s a smooth, buttery dream. So take her up on it. And then get another dessert, any one of them, to go—they’re all available for takeout. Eat it on a street corner. Or in the car. Or at home if you can wait that long. That way you can continue this utterly sublime dining experience as long as humanly possible.
As this is a review of a restaurant and not of another critic, I won’t go into detail about how badly Mr. Well missed his mark. But I will offer these words to him: Your readers will forgive you for this misstep in due time, Mr. Well. After all, to err is human.
But Heavenly Delights is divine.
STARRY NIGHT
Beautiful, engaging, stylish—these are the qualities that make Carrie Slayton an ideal reporter for the Chicago Herald society pages. But she’s eager to be taken seriously for more in-depth journalism. When she approaches her editor with an ultimatum, he surprises Carrie by offering her exactly what she wants. There’s just one catch: She must first snag an interview with Finn Dalton, a reclusive author who mistrusts women almost as much as he does reporters. Finding Finn is a challenge; winning him over seems next to impossible. But as the northern lights dance above, a spark ignites between them. Carrie is poised to risk everything for a future with Finn. But can he find the courage to trust her? Or will he allow his heart to remain frozen in the lonely arctic wild?