A Turn in the Road

Bethanne Hamlin has a life-changing decision to make, on a road trip of a lifetime across America with her daughter and her ex-Mother-in-law, in A Turn in the Road by Debbie Macomber.

Bethanne was devastated when, after a twenty-year marriage, her husband Grant left her for a younger woman.  As a sort of therapy, she joined a knitting group at Lydia Goetz’ yarn store, A Good Yarn.  Gradually she was able to pick herself up – largely from the friendships she made in the knitting group.  She started her own business called Parties.  And now, six years later, she is a changed woman and her business is flourishing.  However, Grant has contacted Bethanne again as he wants to give their marriage a second chance.

On her way to the knitting store on Blossom Street, Bethanne notices Ruth Hamlin her ex-mother in law sitting alone at a cafe.  Ruth, a long-time widow, has exciting news.  She has been invited to attend her high school graduation’s 50th-year reunion.  And she is going to drive from Seattle to Florida to get there.  Ruth’s children have warned her this is a bad idea, but she is determined.  Listening to Ruth, Bethanne suddenly has a brainwave.  She offers to go along with her.  Bethanne’s idea is to keep Ruth safe on the journey, allay her children’s fears and, at the same time, give herself time and distance to think about Grant’s proposition.

The trip gets one other passenger when Bethanne’s daughter Annie hears about the plan.  Annie had thought that her boyfriend was going to propose to her when he asked her to a classy restaurant.  Instead, he broke her heart when he said that he was going to travel to Europe for a year with his friends and wanted her to drive them to the airport!  Annie quickly decides that she wants to escape and travel to Florida too!

Ruth has planned her journey well; which sights she wants to see; which cities she wants to sleepover in.  But, the inclusion of Annie to the group adds a spontaneity which leads to a few turns in the road.   During the trip, the three women have some adventures, some laughter and a bit of romance as well.  Bethanne even gets a bit of knitting done too.

Grant is never far from Bethanne’s thoughts.  She knows that he regrets divorcing her and that he wants a chance to win her heart again.  But she is not sure that she can fully trust him.  Annie and Ruth would love them to get back together and Annie keeps Grant in the loop during their trip.  Andrew, Annie’s brother, is not as forgiving of Grant but tells Bethanne that it is up to her to decide what to do.

After their rental car breaks down, Bethanne, Ruth and Annie’s saviours come in the shape of four bikers called Rooster, Max, Willie and Skunk.  This unexpected encounter has an impact when Bethanne and Max feel an instant attraction.  When their eyes meet, Bethanne feels a depth of emotion that sets her heart racing. 

As Grant and Max compete to win Bethanne’s heart, Bethanne must make the hardest decision of her life: should she forgive Grant and rekindle the love that resulted in twenty years of marriage and gave her Andrew and Annie; or risk it all with Max, who she has only just met, but with whom she feels an emotional and unique connection?

This is pure escapism.  A tale where the three main characters leave their everyday lives and travel across America, having a series of adventures along the way.  Not only do the three generations of women discover a lot about each other, they also learn some life lessons along the way.

I liked the character of Bethanne.  She is a much stronger woman than she was earlier in the series.  She has been able to come through difficult times and has reinvented herself as a smart successful woman.  Personally, I also liked Max.  He has also had hard times to face, but his integrity, compassion and loyalty make him a memorable figure.

This is a story full of humour, warmth and romance.  It is beautifully narrated and the author keeps us guessing right up to the end.

Although A Turn in the Road is part of the Blossom Street series of books, you do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one. 

I have not reviewed the preceding book in the series Hannah’s List as it has less to do with Blossom Street and the yarn shop than the other books.  Although A Turn in the Road is a road trip, it has more to do with the original series than Hannah’s List.  I am, however, planning to read the next story, which is entitled Starting Now and I’m looking forward to posting my review here soon.

I read this novel on Kindle.  You can find more about the Blossom Street series by Debbie Macomber at www.debbiemacomber.com. I used this recipe for the Spicy Black Bean Soup (I halved the quantities for the soup) and this recipe for the Cornbread. I would recommend both of these recipes as they were delicious and made a lovely lunch.