Book Review: Starting Now by Debbie Macomber

Starting Now

By Debbie Macomber

Release Date: April 2, 2013

Source: Librarything

Summary: Debbie Macomber returns to Seattle’s beloved Blossom Street in this heartfelt tale of friendship, renewal, and discovering what’s truly important in life.

For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now. 

With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways. 

As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.

Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love.

Review: I have heard so many things about Debbie Macomber's books, but I've never actually read any myself. Seeing as she's known for her chick lits and contemporary romances, I don't know why I haven't tried anything by her sooner. I guess it's better late than never because this book turned out exactly how I thought it would be-light, sweet, and adorable. 

Libby is a woman who knows what she wants and goes out and gets it, but that means her entire life is devoted to her job. Working long hours at a top notch law firm is what Libby's comfortable with, so when she gets laid off and her boss tells her to live her life, Libby has no idea what to do. As months pass with no luck on the job market, Libby comes across a tiny yarn shop and becomes friends with the owners. Even though she hasn't held a pair of needles since her mom died, Libby decides to take up knitting and volunteer at the hospital. Libby finds herself having friends, hobbies, and a romantic interest in the cute doctor at the hospital. When her old life comes back into the picture, though, can Libby choose between the two different lives?

My favorite part about this novel, by far, was the knitting aspect. I had no idea that the main character was going to find solace in a knitting shop (I didn't even realize that was yarn on the cover...), so when Libby walks into the yarn shop I was so excited. I loved how she started making baby hats, and then volunteered with the babies at the hospital. The babies, though, weren't the only upside to the hospital. The doctor Libby starts to have feelings for is such a sweet man and I know I wouldn't mind finding someone like him all for myself!

In the end, Debbie Macomber's newest release is a quick, fun read that just makes your heart warm. Libby is able to find out what's really important in life, but it definitely takes her a while to figure those things out. All of the other characters were great too and I really enjoyed following the lives of all of the different people who knew Libby. If you're a fan of sweet, fun contemporary reads, I'd recommend picking this one up. I know I can't wait to see what else Debbie has in store for me with her other books!