The Shop On Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

There's a little yarn shop on Blossom Street in Seattle. It's owned by Lydia Hoffman, and it represents her dream of a new life free from cancer. A life that offers a chance at love . . .
Lydia teaches knitting to beginners, and the first class is "How to Make a Baby Blanket." Three women join. Jacqueline Donovan wants to knit something for her grandchild as a gesture of reconciliation with her daughter-in-law. Carol Girard feels that the baby blanket is a message of hope as she makes a final attempt to conceive. And Alix Townsend is knitting her blanket for a court-ordered community service project.
These four very different women, brought together by an age-old craft, make unexpected discoveries — about themselves and each other. Discoveries that lead to friendship and more . . .

I first saw the sequel to this book, A Good Yarn, at the store. I did my research and discovered there was a book before it. You know how I hate reading out of order. What caught my eye about these books? They were about knitting. I'm a crochet person myself, but I still liked the idea of a yarn shop.

We have 4 totally different women. From different social classes and backgrounds brought together by beginners knit class.

I really did enjoy these stories. Every chapter is about one of the 4 women.

Lydia, the owner is the shop, is finally living her life after two bouts with cancer. Although, when it comes to a handsome UPS man, she guards her heart. She's afraid the cancer could come back and she's afraid he'll leave the first chance it gets tough.

Jacqueline is one of those country club, high society women. When she finds out her southern "hick" daughter in law is pregnant she's none too please. Now her son won't see he's made a mistake marrying her. But as she goes along with her knitting, she discovers her daughter in law isn't all that bad after all. There is also a cute story about Jacqueline getting to know her husband all over again.

Alix has had it rough with her childhood. When Jordon shows interest in Alix, she pushes him away. THinking her wrong side of track history won't be good enough for youth minister Jordon.

Carol desperatly wants a baby. We watch her undergo in vitro and hope along with her as she prays to have a baby with her husband.

It's a really good book. Through knitting, the women all form an unlikey friendship. They touch each other's lives in one way, shape or form. For you knitters out there, there is a pattern for the baby blanket Lydia teaches the ladies.

This is a fast, enjoyable, feel good read.
Grade: B