Starting Now

Starting Now follows Libby Morgan, a driven corporate attorney in Seattle who loses her partnership-track position at a prestigious law firm. Left without the career that defined her identity, she begins spending time at a local knitting shop called A Good Yarn. Through her connection to the knitting store and its community, Libby forms new relationships with the shop's regulars, including a troubled teenage girl. She also encounters Dr. Phillip Stone, a physician whose presence becomes increasingly significant in her life. As Libby navigates unemployment and an unexpected life transition, she confronts questions about work-life balance and personal fulfillment. Her journey encompasses both professional reinvention and emotional growth. The novel explores themes of personal transformation and the ways that unexpected setbacks can lead to new beginnings. It examines how community connections and relationships can reshape one's definition of success.

Readers found this book offers a satisfying redemption story with relatable characters, though some felt it followed an overly predictable romance formula. Readers appreciated: - The realistic portrayal of starting over after job loss - Development of the main character Libby's growth - Touching scenes between Libby and the young girl she mentors - The Seattle setting details Common criticisms: - Romance develops too slowly - Side plots feel disconnected - Characters sometimes make frustrating decisions - Repetitive internal monologue From review sites: Goodreads: 4.0/5 from 8,900+ ratings Amazon: 4.4/5 from 850+ reviews BookBub: 4.3/5 from 300+ ratings Sample reader comments: "The knitting shop scenes and friendship dynamics felt authentic" -Goodreads reviewer "Too much time spent on Libby's work stress before getting to the romance" -Amazon review "A comfort read but nothing groundbreaking in the genre" -BookBub review

The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber A tale of four women who form connections through a knitting class at a yarn store while dealing with personal challenges and second chances.

Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan A woman rebuilds her life by opening a bakery in a small coastal town and discovers friendship and romance among the local residents.

The Friendship List by Susan Mallery Two lifelong friends create a list of challenges to push themselves out of their comfort zones and find unexpected romance.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan A librarian starts a mobile bookshop in rural Scotland and helps transform her new community while finding her own path.

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms Two women with the same name who both claim to have won a dream house must navigate their new living situation and unexpected bonds.

🌟 "Starting Now" is part of Debbie Macomber's popular Blossom Street series, featuring the interconnected lives of people who frequent a yarn shop in Seattle. 💫 The book tackles themes of work-life balance and career burnout, reflecting real challenges faced by many professional women in the legal field. 🧶 Knitting, a central element in the story, has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety - mirroring protagonist Libby Morgan's journey of self-discovery. 📚 Author Debbie Macomber wrote this book as her 150th published novel, marking a significant milestone in her career as a bestselling author. 🎯 The story's central location, Seattle, was chosen partly because it ranks among the most stressful cities for working professionals in the United States, adding authenticity to the main character's experience.