Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Rose Harbor in Bloom by Debbie Macomber

Title:  Rose Harbor in Bloom
Series:  Rose Harbor #2
Author:  Debbie Macomber
Publication Date:  July 5/14 by Ballantine Books
Length:  400pgs
Genre:  contemporary romance
Shelf:  own
Rating: ★★★★

Back Cover Blurb:

Hailed as “the reigning queen of women’s fiction” (The Sacramento Bee), Debbie Macomber is renowned for her novels of love, friendship, and the promise of fresh starts. Now Macomber returns to the charming Rose Harbor Inn, where each guest finds a second chance and every room comes with an inspiring new view.

Since moving to Cedar Cove, Jo Marie Rose has truly started to feel at home, and her neighbors have become her closest friends. Now it’s springtime, and Jo Marie is eager to finish the most recent addition to her inn. In memory of her late husband, Paul, she has designed a beautiful rose garden for the property and enlisted handyman Mark Taylor to help realize it. She and Mark don’t always see eye-to-eye—and at times he seems far removed—yet deep down, Jo Marie finds great comfort in his company. And while she still seeks a sense of closure, she welcomes her latest guests, who are on their own healing journeys.

Annie Newton arrives in town to orchestrate her grandparents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration. While Annie is excited for the festivities, she’s struggling to move on from her broken engagement, and her grandparents themselves seem to be having trouble getting along. Worse, Annie is forced to see Oliver Sutton, with whom she grew up and who has always mercilessly teased her. But the best parties end with a surprise, and Annie is in for the biggest one of all.

High-powered businesswoman Mary Smith, another Rose Harbor Inn guest, has achieved incredible success in her field, yet serious illness has led her to face her sole, lingering regret. Almost nineteen years ago, she ended her relationship with her true love, George Hudson, and now she’s returned to Cedar Cove to make amends.

Compassion and joy await Jo Marie, Annie, and Mary as they make peace with their pasts and look boldly toward their futures. Rose Harbor in Bloom is Debbie Macomber at her heartwarming best.

My Review:  

This novel is mellow and heartfelt, with lots of palpable emotions. The intersecting lives of the characters give the story a sense of transience. Everything changes, yet we only see the effects of Rose Harbor. It is all so real. Macomber is such a natural with life & love. She makes me laugh, she makes me cry, she gives me hope.

I love the different styles of writing that Macomber uses for each of the main characters’ points of view. It really brings out their personalities. The stasis Jo Marie is stuck in with respect to Paul really makes things hit home. I get a kick out of Mark while also puzzling about his secrets. He’s such a paradox and has me undyingly intrigued.

I love the way that Macomber develops this series, with Jo Marie a constant throughout and her guests becoming major payers with their own stories in each novel. It ties the series together, making me feel invested in the characters, their lives, and this town, while at the same time making each novel stand out on its own. This one was no exception. Macomber held me captive throughout.

Book Links 

No comments:

Post a Comment