Summer on Blossom Street

Author Debbie Macomber drew a large crowd to the Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover bookstore Thursday evening. As we waited in line for the engaging Macomber to sign copies of her newest release, Summer on Blossom Street, strangers compared notes on which of her over 100 books they’ve read, which was the first or how they discovered her books. Many had attended previous signings or receive Macomber’s e-mail newsletter. I was amazed at the diversity of the audience from young mothers pushing strollers to barely mobile elder – and, it wasn’t a woman only crowd.

My daughter-in-law, Tammy, introduced me to Macomber’s writing four years ago. When we arrived for a visit Tam had The Shop on Blossom Street on the nightstand. This was the first of Macomber’s Blossom Street series, based around a knitting shop, A Good Yarn, in Seattle.

Since then, I’ve visited with Macomber’s characters in Texas, the Dakotas and Washington state settings. These are people I would like to have as neighbors or friends. When I need a reprieve from the busy, stressful world I know the perfect escape – snuggle into a corner of the couch with a cup of tea, a handmade quilt and a Macomber book.

Personable and funny, Macomber shares personal antedotes with her audience – from her first library book (the librarian was Beverly Clearey – later to become a best selling children’s author) to writing her first book on a rented typewriter while bouncing a three-year-old on her hip. When attendees wanted pictures she good naturely posed and gave us this tip, “If you swallow it gets rid of one chin.” After meeting her I’ll always think of her simply as Debbie.

An avid knitter herself, in addition to Summer on Blossom Street she’s also released a Knit Along with Debbie Macomber Summer on Blossom Street book of knitting patterns. 

The Tattered Cover was the second stop on a 17-city book tour in the next six weeks. In addition to Summer on Blossom Street I’m sure audiences across the country will enjoy getting to know Debbie as much as they enjoy her characters and storylines. Check her website for the tour schedule, a complete list of her books and purchasing information.